I just picked this up at an antique store the other day. It’s a South Bend Perfectoreno No. 775. I’m still very new to fishing, but bought it because I thought it looked really cool and sturdy, and everything seems to work well on it.
I was wondering if anyone who was familiar with these reels would be willing to answer some questions for me. Most of the internet research I’ve tried to do just has info about the history, cleaning it, or how it’s a show piece.
The first question is can I actually use it for fishing. Like I said it seems to still move and work great. Would it be wise to use an older model like this or is it better left as a show piece.
Second is the clicking. I don’t mind the noise, but I’ve seen posts about how you should be able to turn it off. I’ve not seen or felt any buttons or dials besides the tension dial. I don’t want to be wearing something out on accident.
Finally does it have a line release? I don’t see any lever or switch like on modern bait casters. So does it cast by weight and leverage alone, with help from the tension?
Thanks for reading and if anyone has any information they can share I’d appreciate it!
Posted by SyndicateRising